Hiking through a scenic national park like Yosemite is a fantastic way to experience nature’s exquisite beauty. And, if you’ve been reading My Itchy Travel Feet for very long, you know our motto: Put your feet on the ground to truly experience a place.
Between majestic mountains, clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and incredible views all around, Yosemite National Park really is a national treasure. If you’re planning a trip to California to explore Yosemite, guest writer, photographer Noel Morata, is here to give us some details on the best hikes in Yosemite for boomer travelers
Hiking Trails in Yosemite for boomers
Yosemite National Park in California is a hiking paradise for those who want to be outdoors experiencing different aspects of the park. There are a variety of trails to match any walking or hiking level or time commitment.
The hikes that I’ve included in this article are some my favorites. They are also the most popular ones in the valley ranging from easy strolls to more challenging and difficult trails.
I have hiked all of the Yosemite trails included here except for Half Dome, which I have never had the opportunity to experience. Did you know that Half Dome requires a reservation to make the climb to the top?
Maybe you can try it some day and send me a picture of the amazing view? Click here to check the Yosemite National Park website for more hiking information.
#1 Yosemite hike: Bridalveil Fall
One of my favorite first hikes whenever I re-visit the Yosemite Valley is Bridalveil Fall because of its close proximity to the valley entrance. This is an easy hike, 0.5 miles round-trip, and it takes about 20 minutes in a leisurely stroll from the parking lot to the base of the waterfall. Views of the falls are better from a distance compared to reaching the end of the trail.
#2 An easy Yosemite National Park hike: Mirror lake
One of my favorite easy hikes on the Yosemite valley floor is Mirror lake. This flat, easy trail covers 2 miles round-trip over paved roads and dirt trails on the other side of the Merced river.
There is also a 5-mile-loop around the lake which takes over two hours to complete. Views of the mountain cliffs are spectacular and also are beautiful in water reflections on the lake.
#3 Hike to a waterfall: Lower Yosemite Falls
This flat and paved trail is only 1 mile long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Beautiful views of the lower and upper falls can be seen on this hike.
If you visit in spring or early summer, expect to be sprayed by water when the falls are at peak volume. On a fall visit, Yosemite Falls may be almost dry.
#4 Hike to the top: Upper Yosemite Falls trail
Hiking in Yosemite National Park doesn’t get any better than this moderately-strenuous trail covering 7.2 miles round-trip. The journey takes between 6 to 8 hours and you will climb to a height of 2,700 feet from the valley floor.
There are many switch backs on this trail but you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of monuments and panoramas in the valley. So take your time when stopping to catch your breath at many of the lookout points.
#5 Hike to a footbridge: Vernal Falls
This moderate hike covers 1.6 miles round-trip, which can take 1.5 to 2 hours, and climbs to a 400 feet elevation at the footbridge. To get to the actual falls would be a 3-mile-hike on the Mist Trail with up to a 1,000 feet elevation gain.
Wonderful views of Vernal Falls can be taken at the footbridge. In September the falls are down to a trickle so they won’t show up too well in photographs.
#6 A Yosemite trail that’s worth the climb: Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail
Reaching Nevada Fall requires that you first hike to Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail. A more strenuous trail, this hike covers 5.4 miles and takes 5 to 6 hours with a 2,000 feet climb in elevation.
You can also hike the John Muir trail and bypass Vernal Fall. The framed views of Nevada Fall are spectacular from below or photographed from Glacier Point where the images here were taken.
#7 See it all: 4 Mile Trail
4 Mile trail is one of my favorite trails in Yosemite valley because of the amount of scenic panoramas on different parts of the hike. A strenuous trail covering 9.6 miles round-trip, the journey takes 6 to 8 hours with an ascent of 3,200 feet. The views of the valley and monuments from this trail are quite spectacular and worth the effort.
For an easier hiking experience, take a shuttle to or from the top of Glacier Point to hike one leg of the trail. Be sure to make reservations in advance because the buses are always full.
#8 Challenge yourself on this Yosemite hike: Half Dome
This challenging hike covers 14 miles round-trip (via the Mist Trail) and takes 10 to 12 hours, climbing to a 4,600 feet elevation. The top portion of Half Dome is accessed by cables and requires a permit. The cables are installed after the snow pack melts in the summer and are taken down when winter weather begins to move in during the fall. Apply for permits here.
Although these are some of the most popular trails for hiking in Yosemite Valley, there are many others throughout the park to fit any challenge or requirement. Which of my favorite Yosemite hikes would you like to try?
Planning your Yosemite hike
Yosemite National Park is very popular. For the best travel experience, you’ll want to plan ahead:
- For a memorable stay in historic, national park lodging, reserve a room at the Ahwhanee Hotel. Majestic .
- Or check out this list of places to stay in Yosemite National Park.
- A good hiking book helps you find the best trail for your hiking level. We recommend the Falcon Guide to Hiking Yosemite National Park.
- Save those boomer knees! Pack hiking poles. Yes, you can bring them on the plane.
- You’ll be arriving by car, so a copy of Benchmark California Road and Recreation Atlas is a must for exploring on the way to and from Yosemite.
